After being held to a goalless draw in Conakry during the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarter-final, Horoya AC now face a decisive test this Saturday in Rabat against Wydad Casablanca. The Guinean champions know they have complicated their own task by failing to capitalize on home advantage, but they remain convinced that qualification is still within reach.
The scoreless draw at the General Lansana Conté Stadium left a sense of unfinished business for the Red and Whites from Matam. Despite creating several promising opportunities, Horoya AC lacked efficiency in the final third, allowing the Moroccan giants to escape unscathed. Now, the Guinean side must seek a positive result away from home against one of Africa’s most experienced and formidable clubs.
While the challenge is significant, Horoya AC are approaching the return leg with determination rather than fear. Head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa has expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to rise to the occasion, emphasizing the work done in training to correct the shortcomings observed in the first leg.
“We’ve been working a lot on our finishing in front of goal,” the French coach said after the team’s final training session on Wednesday evening at the Nongo Stadium. “It’s clear that we’ll have opportunities to score on Saturday. We must be much more clinical than we were in Conakry. In the first leg, we lacked composure, especially in the final pass.”
Da Rosa believes that Horoya’s attacking assets can pose real problems for Wydad Casablanca, particularly with the pace and movement of his forwards. “We have speed up front, and that can hurt Wydad if we use it well,” he added, suggesting that his team will not travel to Morocco with purely defensive intentions.
However, the Horoya coach is equally aware that defensive discipline will be crucial in an intimidating environment such as the Mohammed V Stadium. Facing a Wydad side renowned for its attacking power and home support, the Guineans will need to strike the right balance between ambition and caution.
“We need to be even more solid defensively,” Da Rosa explained. “Consistency is important, but discipline is essential. If we give our defenders confidence and remain well organized, we can withstand the pressure. From there, our chances of qualifying will naturally increase.”
Horoya AC will travel to Morocco with a squad of 24 players. Although the team has dealt with some fatigue and minor injuries following a demanding schedule, the coach insists that the group is mentally and physically ready for the challenge ahead. “There have been some small physical issues, but today everyone wants to play. The desire is there,” he said.
Fully aware of the magnitude of the encounter, Didier Gomes Da Rosa described the match as a true test of top-level African football. Yet, he remains optimistic about his players’ mindset and ambition. “It will be a very tough match, but I believe in this group. We want to represent Guinean football with pride. In any case, we’re going to Morocco without fear.”
As kickoff approaches, Horoya AC know that only a disciplined, composed, and courageous performance will allow them to overcome Wydad Casablanca and keep their Champions League dream alive.
